`eth • chronos • kairos

2023 October 12th (EST)

Hello Friends—

I have been thinking a lot about “time” recently. Time is something most of us think about everyday. There’s even some of us who obsess about time. But, how do we define time. Time is something I have wanted to research a bit deeper. I’ve always found the words in Ecclesiastes 3 filled with wisdom and comfort as it addressed “time.”

A Time for Everything

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.

—Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

In my research I found an interesting article written by Melissa Henderson, click the link below:

https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/what-does-the-bible-say-about-time.html?amp=1

Also, follow her on WordPress at:

https://melissaghenderson.com/

The article provides the Greek and Hebrew words for time. (They are in my title). Many of the examples below are directly from the article and I do not take credit for them, I only wish to share the information. If you are wanting more information please click the link above for the entire article.

Chronos is sequential and quantitative time.

Et (or ‘eth) is an event or occasion.

Kairos is “a propitious moment for decision or action.” Scripture shares that kairos is a time that requires a conversion. “After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1:14-15 (NIV)

As I read the Greek and Hebrew words for time, they were very familiar to me. They are used in a series of books I’ve recently read. If you have never read the Time- Quintet book series by Madeleine L’Engle, I strongly encourage you to do so. Many of her books were written for younger audiences and yet, they are equally if not better for adults. For a recommended order of reading click this link:

https://www.howtoread.me/time-quintet-books-in-order/

When we think about time; we must remember that we experience time differently than God experiences time. Humans created clocks and other instruments to keep track of events, activities, and special occasions. One important fact that we as Christians know is that God was, God is, and God always will be. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty” Revelation 1:8 (NIV). There was never a time without God.

Our calculation of time is not the same as how God defines time. There can be comfort in knowing and remembering His timing is always best. When we pray and ask for answers in a quick time, comfort can be found in knowing God hears all prayers.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Several years ago I wrote a poem, sort of a poem. Let’s just say a collection of words. I posted them below with a couple of minor changes. My current life situation has caused me to embrace time, not how much; short or long…just being in the moment of time itself.

I am living with my dad and he is receiving hospice services at home. He is doing okay although his energy level remains low. The agency we are using is “Guardian Angel” and they have been wonderful to work with. It is a privilege to be able to spend this time with my dad. Several family members are helping with all the things that need to be done. We have been able to provide 24/7 care with no out of pocket money so far. I love giving my time to dad, it’s not taking time from me at all. As I look back on my life, my parents always gave of their time to our family. My parents shared their time equally between my brother and me and supported each of our aspirations. They always had time for family, friends and neighbors.

Life has taught me that none of us have the ability to add, subtract, multiply or divide time. It’s the moments and memories that are craved into our souls during time that truly matter. Instead of worrying about time that we can’t control, make memories with the time at hand.

Lost, Here all the Time...


For days now, 
the winds of this life have left me wanting...
searching...
lost...and forgotten.

Satisfaction is elusive 
in a very real sense

My thoughts, they deceive me

What is fact and what is fiction,

They are all scrambled one upon another, what to do

I have lost my way, 
a ship at sea with no captain, 
with no sail

Oh God of heaven and earth, 
lead me back to you

I need what only you can give, forgiveness and acceptance

Only you can love me 
though undeserving I am...

Your unconditional love 
will free me from myself

Please, I beg...
take these burdens, 
teach me your ways

My ways are weak and cause great pain
I ache and yearn for what this world can give. Alas, it does not sustain me and it takes pleasure in my pain

Take my empty dreams and 
my broken promises

Fill me with Your love, 
Your compassion and 
Your promises.

For they will never fail, 
They will never be withered by time
They will endure generation 
after generation with no end.

Oh God, clothe me in your love
Use me to spread your message 
to others

Others like me, longing for real joy, true happiness and
Limitless abounding love for always.

C.A.Robinson ©️
July 05, 2013
11:28pm
Updated October 10th, 2023©️

Thank you for stopping by my blog. I am honored that you shared your time with me.

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.